Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Having released four EPs over the past four years, the London-based electronica duo Dave Hendra and Dave Pilcher here release their first full length album. Eikon are passionate about worship and have developed an approach that brings an alternative sound to the pop rock stylings that dominate most modern worship. This album of covers presents an alternative take on some of the best known worship songs around, giving them a fresh sound whilst maintaining the core essence that makes them the great songs they are. When it comes to covers, I like to see artists make the songs their own rather than simply doing a karaoke version of the original without any originality or imagination involved. Eikon have largely achieved that on this record, bringing in variations on the melodies and rhythms whilst not taking it so far as to make the song completely unrecognisable. The listener is eased in with "Amazing Grace" staying faithful to the original in the opening verse before the beat drops and synth washes in leading to one of the most inventive arrangements on the record. Not all tracks show the same level of reinvention with "Good Good Father" not straying far in terms of the melody and general feel of the song although the instrumentation still adds a new dimension to the Housefires/Chris Tomlin song. As a group of songs taken from various sources, Eikon have done a good job of pulling them together into a coherent set list that flows well and never feels jarring on the ear. There is a genuine sense of awe and reverence with much of the album feeling laid back and relaxed, washing over you and immersing you in worship. There are more upbeat moments with "Spirit Break Out" building, layer upon layer as the chorus repeats "Spirit break out, break our walls down/Spirit break out, Heaven come down." The vocals are strong throughout with a good use of backing and layered vocals adding to the depth of the sound. Whilst the core influences are from electronica, there is evidence of wider influences with the syncopated jazz rhythm of "Take A Moment" and the gospel-tinged "Rain" mixing up the vibe. If you are a worshipper and have a taste for EDM this is the record for you.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.